Aluminum facts you don’t know: does aluminum rust?

Will aluminum metal rust? Why are aluminum alloy plates resistant to corrosion? This article will tell you the truth about whether aluminum will rust!

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Is aluminum metal rusting true or false?

First, decipher the truth about “Does aluminum rust?”

Will aluminum metal rust? The answer is: Aluminum rusts.

Aluminum is a metallic element with the element symbol Al and atomic number 13. It is a silver-white lightweight metal with good ductility and can be made into various shapes of materials, such as aluminum plates, aluminum coils, aluminum foil, aluminum discs, aluminum strips, aluminum ingots, and aluminum tubes. Aluminum rods etc. When these aluminum metals are corroded by oxygen, water, sand and other factors in the natural environment, the aluminum metal itself will oxidize and rust.

Does aluminum alloy rust?

Does aluminum alloy rust?

However, if the aluminum surface is damaged or defective, such as scratches, abrasions, or chemical corrosion, air and moisture can more easily penetrate the lower layers of the aluminum surface, accelerating the oxidation process. In this way, the aluminum oxide film may become uneven or partially damaged, causing rust spots or signs of oxidation to appear on the aluminum surface. Aluminum can form a more stable oxide layer under certain circumstances, such as in certain special environments (such as seawater) or after special treatment (such as anodizing). This oxide layer provides better protection against further rusting of the aluminum.

Why does aluminum rust?

The principle of aluminum rusting is the process of oxidation reaction with oxygen to form aluminum oxide (Aluminum Oxide). Aluminum is an active metal that easily reacts with oxygen in the air. Aluminum is also affected by environmental factors such as acidic and alkaline substances, high temperature, and high oxygen content, which accelerates the oxidation reaction and causes rust. When the aluminum surface is exposed to the air, the aluminum atoms on the surface react with oxygen in the air to form an aluminum oxide film, which is aluminum oxide. This layer of aluminum oxide film prevents further oxidation to a certain extent, so the oxidation on the aluminum surface is usually very thin and relatively stable. This is why aluminum can also play a role in preventing corrosion.

aluminum sheet rust

aluminum sheet rust

Are aluminum rust and iron rust the same?

The rust of aluminum is aluminum oxide, which is a dense substance that acts like a layer of plastic wrap covering the surface of food, preventing the aluminum inside from continuing to oxidize. Although aluminum’s oxide layer can protect the aluminum itself, this protective layer only works better in dry air. If aluminum is in a humid environment, it will lose the protection of the oxide layer and be easily corroded by oxidation and rust.

Why is aluminum called rust-proof aluminum because it rusts?

Aluminum is an active metal that can react with oxygen, water, acid, etc. However, at room temperature, a dense oxide film will form on the aluminum surface. This layer of oxide can protect the aluminum itself from further corrosion. Therefore, aluminum has better corrosion resistance.

How long does it take for aluminum to rust?

Aluminum rusts very slowly because aluminum forms a dense protective film of aluminum oxide in the air. This protective film can effectively prevent further oxidation of aluminum. Therefore, under normal circumstances, aluminum products are not prone to obvious rust. Even if aluminum products are exposed to the air for a long time, only a thin layer of aluminum oxide will be formed on the surface, without obvious rust like iron. However, if the oxide film on the aluminum surface is damaged, such as by friction, scratching, or corrosive media, the aluminum will begin to rust. In addition, if aluminum is in a humid environment, water molecules will destroy the aluminum oxide layer and expose the aluminum to the air, thus accelerating the oxidation reaction of aluminum. In this case, aluminum products may develop rust within a short period of time.

In general, the rate at which aluminum rusts depends on a variety of factors, including the environment, usage conditions, purity of the aluminum, and surface treatment processes.

Which series of aluminum alloy is more rust-proof?

Pure aluminum and some 5 series aluminum alloys themselves have certain corrosion resistance. Other series such as 2 series, 4 series, 6 series, 7 series and other aluminum alloys have relatively weak resistance to environmental corrosion and are generally not directly made into aluminum products. , but to do some anti-corrosion treatment. The frames of aluminum alloy doors and windows that are usually accessible to everyone are basically processed by “anodizing”, “spraying” or “oxidation electrophoresis”, which greatly enhances the service life of aluminum alloy door and window frames.

Aluminum does not rust easily.

Aluminum is an active metal, but a transparent and dense aluminum oxide protective film will form on its surface to protect the interior from rust. This layer of aluminum oxide is tightly attached to the surface of the aluminum, which can prevent the aluminum inside from combining with oxygen. Therefore, aluminum products usually have better corrosion resistance. Aluminum metal is not easy to rust, although aluminum itself is not easy to rust. Rust, but under certain conditions, aluminum may still rust. In order to maintain the beauty of aluminum products and extend their service life, it is recommended to clean aluminum products regularly and use preservatives for maintenance. At the same time, avoid placing aluminum products in harsh environments such as moisture, acidity, and alkaline.

Aluminum does not rust easily

Aluminum does not rust easily

How long does aluminum alloy last outside?

The storage time of aluminum outdoors depends on many factors, such as environmental factors, type of aluminum alloy, surface treatment process, etc. Generally speaking, the service life of aluminum materials outdoors can reach about 10-30 years.

Aluminum itself is a corrosion-resistant metal, and different types of aluminum alloys will have different corrosion resistance properties. Some high-performance aluminum alloys have good corrosion resistance and can be used in harsh environments for a long time. At the same time, the surface treatment process will also affect the corrosion resistance of aluminum materials. For example, surface treatment processes such as fluorocarbon spraying can improve the corrosion resistance and durability of aluminum materials.

Therefore, the storage time of aluminum outdoors needs to be comprehensively considered. Generally speaking, if aluminum is in a good environment and properly cared for and maintained, its service life can reach more than 20 years. However, if aluminum is exposed to harsh environments, or is damaged and corroded, it will require more frequent maintenance and repairs to extend its service life.

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